Lookout spot

The dead trees on the property behind us may be an eyesore, but they are a great spot for birds to check out the action. 

Hungry Hawk

This hungry hawk was trying to figure out how to get into the pigeon coop!  They were pretty unconcerned until he lunged at the cage.  The coop was on a neighbor's property.

Provo Temple

Sunlight hitting the Provo Temple.  View from our back yard.

Utah fires

One of the many fires that burned in Utah the summer of 2012.  We had smoke in the air most of the summer.  This one was in Alpine.

Colorado deer

The herds of deer in Kristen's neighborhood are unafraid of people and are fun to watch.

What is he doing?

Did you know deer squat to pee?  Neither did I until we saw this fellow doing his thing.

The Grandkids

Summer 2012.  Cayden, Brandon, Olivia holding Callie, Chase, Sophie and Cricket

Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis )

This flower was in the garden when we moved in and has reseeded itself year after year into every nook and cranny of the yard.  I have to pull up lots of plants to have room for everything else, but the remaining plants add a consistent blast of color when other plants start to fade.

Contrasts

The blooming yucca contrasted nicely with the barberry bush behind it.  Serendipity...wish I could take credit for planning this!

Cholla

My cold-hardy cholla bloomed for the first time this year, as you can see.  Notice that each spine has a little curve on the end.  That hooks the unwary intruder and requires pliers to pull out.  Wonder how we know this?  Ask Cayden.

Fernbush

This high desert bush is Chamaebatiaria millefolium, or Fernbush.  In this photo the bush is about 7 years old, and the hot dry 2012 summer brought out the best flower show I have seen.  The bees love it and the leaves are fragrant when crushed.  Wonderful specimen plant for a xeriscaped garden.

Rudbeckia

This reseeded from last year.  I think it may be the Denver Daisy variety

Achillea (Yarrow)

a

red Achillea  (yarrow)

Climbing the Tree

Renee trying to climb the tree out front

Water Slide Fun

Sophie 2012

Family

Korina, Nathan, Bryan, and Laurel..  The Sunday Dinner Bunch

Fall Offering

Thought the birds would love this, but they never ate it.

First Winter Storm

First snow in the mountains for Autumn 2012.  View from our backyard.